POL380H1S L0101

Topics in International Politics

Terrorists, Technocrats, and Transnational Advocacy Networks: Non-State Actors in the International System

Themes

Is the state still the dominant actor in the international system? Since the Treaty of Westphalia (or arguably sooner), humans systems of rule have been characterized by territorially-defined, fixed, and mutually-exclusive enclaves of legitimate dominion. In other words: states. However, modern states are increasingly confronted by an array of woes that transcend territorial boundaries, from climate change to terrorism to global recession. Who has the political authority to deal with these problems?

This course surveys the growing ranks of non-state actors who play a role in global governance. Students will critically reflect on the continued importance of states in global governance, and will assess the prospects and perils of shifting political authority outside the state system. Core questions include: when and how do non-state actors matter? Which avenues of influence can non-state actors use to achieve their goals? How should international relations theory respond to the growing role of non-state actors in global politics?

Texts

To be made available on Blackboard and on reserve at Robarts and Trinity College libraries.

Format and Requirements

Research paper (40%), test (30%), presentation (20%), class participation (10%).

Prerequisites

POL208H1 or POL208Y1 or POL209H5 or POLB80H3